Chadhiyana.comhttp://chadhiyana.com
A witch threatens the Tal-Ifatiir and Chadhiyana, the first female member of the order, as they journey to destroy an old evil. Dark fantasy webcomicFri, 22 Jun 2018 15:23:25 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8The Big Chadhiyana Updatehttp://chadhiyana.com/2018/06/the-big-chadhiyana-update/
http://chadhiyana.com/2018/06/the-big-chadhiyana-update/#respondTue, 12 Jun 2018 11:00:04 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=1103

I’m certain there are many people who believe Chadhiyana is just another half-finished comic project, abandoned indefinitely by its creator (as is too common an occurrence with indie-comic). Yet despite her relative public absence (except for some social media posts), the Chadhiyana series is not abandoned and is far from complete. From Chadhiyana’s near-instantaneous conception, I felt compelled to tell her story, and there’s never been a project or character more important to me (as I’ve often said). Though I realise that may come off as strange considering the hiatus I’ve seemingly taken from Chadhiyana, so I’m here to set a few things straight and offer some hope and information to the Chadhiyana fanbase.

First and foremost, the story of In the Company of Shadows is only the beginning. The book serves as an origin story for Chadhiyana (as it were and which may be obvious by Chadhiyana’s costume change in that arc). Yet as the graphic novel was publishing in single issues, and despite careful planning, I was struggling both in my personal life and with the book, and in fact, I was becoming largely unhappy with it (though my publisher and fans alike seemed well-pleased).

(And this is a good time to mention that none of the fault lies with Rosarium Publishing. They’ve been a wonderfully supportive and understanding publisher. Any setbacks and pauses in publication have been the sole fault of this author.)

What most people probably know (if you’ve read some of my blog posts over the past year, especially on jmdesantis.com), is that my life and work habits were creating an unlivable situation for me. For that reason alone, I needed to take a step away from working creatively, just to recollect myself and make some adjustments. But given that these things were, in part, affecting the progress of Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows, and also clouding my judgement or even distracting me during its creation, there was yet another reason to take a step back.

As early as the 2016 Rosarium Publishing IndieGoGo campaign, I began to realise and admit to myself that the book was not as I intended it. For various reasons (including the things I was struggling with) I made poor choices about its creation, both on the writing and art end. To some degree, I even let my then limited vision of what a comic could be lead to further limitations of my own vision for the book.

In short, I began to decide the book needed to be reworked. I started with the prologue and worked my way up to the current issue. I also attempted Inktober in October and NaNoWriMo in November 2017 and those experiences helped me to understand some things about my creation process as well as hone new techniques that lead to further developments and feeling of potential for the book, rather than limitations. And thus, the real work began.

Since the beginning of 2018, I have been working very hard redesigning and further developing certain elements of the book. I’ve written out more lore and histories for the world, created more depth and a clearer direction for the story, and even began to work in some “new” elements into the book that I had originally wanted to include, but took out because of my feelings that I couldn’t possibly include them (again, because of my self-imposed limitations). Those additions, edits, changes are all for the better of the present arc as well as the future of the series.

The only downside is the work is not yet done. I’m trying to work out some ways of making up for lost time, as well as bringing my readers a better book–one I can stand proudly behind and one (I hope) the fans (old and new) will love. The good news is now that this information is out in the open, I can begin to post updates over time in order to keep the fans informed. Part of the trouble was, before this point, I just wasn’t certain how it would all develop. Now I at least feel comfortable enough with the direction to be a bit more forthcoming with information.

That said, my Patreon followers are getting a more in-depth look at the changes and additions that are being made to the book. Today they were already given a considerably lengthier explanation of all the above (titled Part I: A Thorough Explanation of the Hiatus). Then starting with this Thursday and publishing every Tuesday and Thursday through the end (about six weeks), my patrons will be treated to the following, smaller updates:

Part II: Chadhiyana vs the World
Part III: The Lore of the Sunlands & Aghal-ParagPart IV: An Element of HorrorPart V: More of MagicPart VI: The Tal-IfatirPart VII: The Shadows of the Tal-IfatirPart VIII: The Trouble with “Shadows”Part IX: Style & BackgroundsPart X: Some New (& Old) IdeasPart XI: Parting Words

If this information looks of interest to you (based on the titles), then sign up for my Patreon (patreon.com/jmdesantis) at just $1.00 per month and enjoy the updates as they come (and no, I don’t mind if you simply join for a month or two just to read the updates, though I do hope you’ll remain a patron afterwards). There won’t be any story spoilers, per say, but you will get a better idea of what I generally have planned and am working on, and the chance to offer feedback as the information posts. Else, I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated as the work comes together, and you can just be surprised by the changes when they are made manifest.

And there it is.

My apologies for how long everyone had to wait for an update, and I do hope this has offered some explanation for not only why there was a hiatus from Chadhiyana but also why I felt it was necessary. And even more, I hope you’re all excited by at least the tease of further depth and detail being added to Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows and also all future Chadhiyana book. It’s going to be a much better book because of it, and being honest with myself, this needed to happen–even if it wasn’t convenient.

Despite many delays, the news updating readers on Chadhiyana and the series is nearly here. With the many projects I’ve been working on, plus a continued development on the Chadhiyana series, I keep editing and rewriting the update to reflect the most current information. But I’ve decided to release everything officially on 12 June 2018 (that’s next Tuesday). And of course, if anything new needs to be added, I can do that at a later date (as most certainly something will need be added).

So if you’ve been stressing, patiently waiting for this continually delayed update, you can breathe easy. I’m going forward with it next week. So check back next week. Something will be here. I promise.

Also remember, my Patreon supporters are getting a more in-depth, multi-post update. So if you would like to be a part of that, you can simply support my Patreon at just $1 per month (basic access, including the Patron-Only Feed) and read through the updates as they come. Cancel any time. I also promise, I won’t be upset if you join my Patreon for a month just to get the update.

So there it is. See you next week.

May the fire burn bright.

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2018/06/chadhiyana-news-update-coming-12-june-2018/feed/0It’s Been a While…http://chadhiyana.com/2018/05/its-been-a-while/
http://chadhiyana.com/2018/05/its-been-a-while/#respondWed, 09 May 2018 14:33:19 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=1088Since starting my blog back at the end of 2012 (on jmdesantis.com. following the publication of the first Chadhiyana comic), I don’t think I’ve ever let so much time pass between posts. The reasons for that are many, but rather than dwell on the past, I’d like to get everyone up to speed on the new, the old, and the behind-but-catching-up (and to do so in as few words as possible).

First and most importantly, I had promised a major Chadhiyana update in March. Technical difficulties and other setbacks forced me to delay the update. Though with two conventions coming up in the next two weeks (see below), I’m postponing the update until the end of this month. That said, as I’ve stated before, Patreon supporters ($1 and up per month) get more in-depth information and behind-the-scenes access (including a wealth of sketches) than those who read my blog. Also, those supporters will start getting that information later today. So, if you’re really a Chadhiyana fan and can’t wait, or simply want more, you can always sign up for a month or two at the $1 a month level to get access to that information (jmdesantis.com/patreon).

Second, and this ties into the above, so much of my creative time has been spent on Chadhiyana that yes, Gentleman Cthulhu (gentlemancthulhu.com) has noticeably fallen behind (even from where it was before). I’m going to do my best to catch it up in the coming weeks and perhaps even months, as this was supposed to be a major year for the old boy, being his third year, and the very least amount of time I wanted to work on the webcomic (being enough to collect into a small trade). So for my Gentleman Cthulhu fans, stay tuned. The tentacled gentleman isn’t done pontificating yet.

On the subject of Gentleman Cthulhu, there has been a slight delay in the “And They Call it Mummy Love” collection. I’ve been spending time researching ISBNs and ISSNs for my self-published work, and laying the ground work for some smoother releases of such work going forward. To that end, and though it hasn’t before been announced, I’ve developed Dark Fire Press (jmdesantis.com/darkfirepress) as my publishing label for any self-published work (including Gentleman Cthulhu).

That said, me creating Dark Fire Press is not in lieu of traditional publication. Rather it’s in addition to my other published work. I’ve published both ways for a while now; I’m just trying to make the self-published work look a tad more professional. And in fact, both the second Gentleman Cthulhu collection and my Inktober 2017 sketchbook were published under Dark Fire Press. I’m also presently developing a Lovecraftian short comic story for self-publication, hopefully out in the summer, as well as the third Gentleman Cthulhu collection.

I also have two conventions coming up in the next two weeks. This weekend (on May 12th) I’m returning to the White Plains Comic Con (now White Plains Comic Fest), and then next weekend (May 19th and 20th) I’ll have an artist alley table at my first Pennsylvania show: the 3 Rivers Comic Con in Pittsburgh. Other shows have been booked for the year (including the Rhode Island Comic Con in Novemeber–another first!); I only have New York Comic Con to complete the details for and then there it is. As I mention time and again, my Events Page keeps an up-to-date list of shows.

Last, it’s worth mentioning that I updated my art galleries for the first time in a long time, a couple months ago. Lately, with some artistic growth and development as well as a commitment to focusing on some higher quality work again, I’ve decided to revamp and update the entire Art section of jmdesantis.com (with the exception of the Sketches page–I’m getting to it). There’s a whole bunch of new artwork up–including two new Chadhiyana pieces, and a new section for select commissions I’ve done–so please take a moment to peek at what’s there.

Otherwise, stayed tuned. I’ll have the Chadhiyana update here and on jmdesantis.com by the end of the month, or you can start getting access today with a Patreon subscription of $1.00 or more a month. Plus more news and updates should be appearing in the following weeks and months, as I still have a few surprises for this year, and some other plans I’m working toward implementing by or before the fall.

So, until next week…Cheers!

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2018/05/its-been-a-while/feed/0No Such Con & The Final Days…http://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/no-such-con-the-final-days/
http://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/no-such-con-the-final-days/#respondTue, 27 Feb 2018 12:00:53 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=1075
First, thank you to the students at Vassar College for their hard work at the No Such Con this past weekend and for inviting me back. I had a great time catching up with some people I met last year–both exhibitors and attendees–and speaking on the panels about Cultural Competency and Self-Publishing respectively (and a special thanks to Danielle Draik and Emily Ree for inviting me to the latter). There were a few surprises during the weekend too, but before I get into that, I want to point out to my readers that the final days are approaching to get your name included in the And They Call it Mummy Love collection as a supporter (deadline: 28 February 2018).

As mentioned in previous posts, my Patreon (patreon.com/jmdesantis) is slowly climbing toward its third, modest goal. And They Call it Mummy Love will be a collection of all 24 Mummy comics of the same name from my web-comic, Gentleman Cthulhu (gentlemancthulhu.com). With your patronage of just $3.00 or more per month, you’ll get access to Gentleman Cthulhu comics early, your name in the book, and some behind-the-scenes information on some other projects in-development, including, next month, some information about Chadhiyana (which has been in what I can only refer to as hiatus, publicly, for some time–though I’ve been working on it behind the scenes).

While I hate a hard sale, I can’t help but mention that with the above projects and other past and future self-publications, it’s really a great time to join my Patreon page–plus I could really use the boost in hitting the next goal.

That said, going back to No Such Con, I had a great weekend. The above panels focused on both Chadhiyana and Gentleman Cthulhu; though Cultural Competency more on Chadhiyana, of course. The Self-Publication panel covered a range of topics, including me giving a shout out to both Rosarium Publishing (rosariumpublishing.com), who picked up Chadhiyana after its initial self-publication, and Ka-Blam Printing (ka-blam.com) who I’ve used, thus far, for almost every book I’ve printed (because they do a phenomenal job, all around, and my fellow pannelers agreed).

I was also treated to a surprise from Mr. Matt Farley during his Saturday performance, when he ended with an impromptu song about me, which was both hilarious and flattering. I still love what this man does, and if you only knew the mad genius of this man–maybe I’ll just have to start blogging on the topic. His music is just unabashed, silly, good fun, and seeing him perform really adds to his songs–it’s a full, enjoyable experience, it really is.

Also, with that, my girlfriend, daughter, and I got a little time to visit the Thompson Memorial Library (the library at Vassar College) after the show on Sunday, and just a few steps into the old building had me wondering if I hadn’t gone to the wrong college, art or not (forgetting that I don’t ever have much good to say about Pratt–the college–itself; not the faculty, who were great). The library truly is a wonder, and to see so many books on so many subjects of interest to me (and old books at that–some dating from the early 1900s or even the 1800s) I didn’t want to leave. I only feel disappointed we were so rushed, especially because my girlfriend found some books of interest I’m sure she would have loved to spend weeks reading through. Perhaps we’ll have to make a special trip up, and if you’re a bibliophile like me, I highly recommend you do the same.

For now, I’m looking forward to the upcoming 2018 con season (for me, some artists may have already started theirs) and returning to NSC again next year, if they’ll have me. Though, in the present, I’ve got some more work to attend to. So, until next week…

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/no-such-con-the-final-days/feed/0Coming Soon: News & Updateshttp://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/coming-soon-news-updates/
http://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/coming-soon-news-updates/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 19:40:42 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=1028I know it’s been a long time since there’s been any real Chadhiyana updates, issues, or news (save for some teasing on Social Media). I am sincerely for the delays, and honestly all the responsibility of that rests with me, not Rosarium Publishing.

Many of you have contacted me and approached me at conventions about The Girl with the Fire Ringed Eyes, and I can assure you I have not left the series at all. In fact, I’ve been working hard on Chadhiyana behind the scenes, after taking a necessary break.

I’m planning to finally release some information about what’s been going on next month (March 2018) on this site, my website (jmdesantis.com) and my Patreon (patreon.com/jmdesantis), so please stay tuned. And as always, thank you for your interest and support of Chadhiyana.

All the Best,J. M. DeSantis
Creator of Chadhiyana

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2018/02/coming-soon-news-updates/feed/0Spend Cyber Monday with Chadhiyana Creator, J. M. DeSantishttp://chadhiyana.com/2017/11/spend-cyber-monday-with-chadhiyana-creator-j-m-desantis/
http://chadhiyana.com/2017/11/spend-cyber-monday-with-chadhiyana-creator-j-m-desantis/#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 15:21:38 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=1007It’s Cyber Monday! And with that, I, J. M. DeSantis, creator of both Chadhiyana and Gentleman Cthulhu, am highlighting my new storefront (jmdesantis.com/shop/), commission requests (open through 31 January 2018), and my Patreon page (to support this page and other work). And wouldn’t you know, there’s even original artwork for said creations on sale through the storefront.

This past October, I participated in Inktober and included in the collection one Gentleman Cthulhu piece, seven Lovecraftian pieces, and eight Chadhiyana pieces. All are currently on sale through my new store on jmdesantis.com/shop/ (which does not replace my storefronts on Zazzle and Society6; rather this new store is for exclusive merchandise and original artwork). Also available are a number of Chadhiyana prints at a discounted price (through December 31st), as well as sketchcover versions of Chadhiyana #0 and Gentleman Cthulhu: Year One.

Additional sketch covers can be commissioned through my Commission Requests Page (jmdesantis.com/commission-requests), as well as non-sketch cover commissions and even non-Chadhiyana or Gentleman Cthulhu commissions (if you wish). Prices, however, are raising in February 2018 (due to a desire on my part to create better quality commissions), so this is the last chance to get a commission from me before my price raise.

Last, as has been announced through my website, this is the last few days to have your name included in my forthcoming sketchbook and the Inktober collection; both of which include both Chadhiyana and Gentleman Cthulhu artwork. The books will be available in 2018 on my convention tables and possibly through my new storefront, but if you’d like a copy early and to have your name included as a supporter, join my Patreon page (patreon.com/jmdesantis; which includes early access to Chadhiyana issues and Gentleman Cthulhu comics) by December 1st. At just $3.00 you can have your name in both books; $5.00 includes a digital copy; $15.00 gets all of this plus a physical, signed copy of both books.

Else, please spread the word, and though I humbly apologise for all of the delays the last few months, I thank you sincerely for your continued support. More announcements and information will be coming in the next few months, so keep coming back, as I promise, I am back and working hard to bring you more of the same sort of material (and even better) that drew you to my work in the first place.

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2017/10/happy-diwali-from-chadhiyana/feed/0See You in Baltimore This Weekendhttp://chadhiyana.com/2017/09/see-you-in-baltimore-this-weekend/
http://chadhiyana.com/2017/09/see-you-in-baltimore-this-weekend/#respondTue, 19 Sep 2017 11:00:27 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=989
Another year and another Baltimore Comic-Con. It’s one of the shows I’ve done for the longest length of time (in, I believe, about eight years of exhibiting at conventions—since the Fall of 2009), and it’s one of my favourites. Baltimore is extremely artist friendly (just look at the size of its Artist Alley), and I’ve always found the show to be well run and the staff quite friendly (though, admittedly, I’ve never been to a show where the latter wasn’t true).

As in most previous years, I’ll only be able to attend the show on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is very unlikely, and I’ll only be able to make it there very late in the night, if at all. But two days at the show is always ample, the only downside is I will not have on hand the two latest books from me (and for that I am sorry).

Gentleman Cthulhu: Twice the Fears and Cheers (the second collection of comics) will not be back from the printer in time, and as for the sketchbook (or creative collection as I am thinking to call it, with the inclusion of some writing) is still going through some finishing touches. Both books should be out in time for New York Comic Con in another two weeks, but with Baltimore looming so close, there’s really not much I can do about the absence of these two books on my table this weekend at this point in time. My sincere apologies. I know I’ve had to make many of these (and will likely still have to make many more), and I may come off as a bit disappointing to some, of late.

Again, there is much catching up to do, and I’m still working at that daily. It’s truly a slow climb, however. More, I’m trying to do what I can to ensure, once caught up, delays such as the past few months don’t any longer occur (both with Chadhiyana and Gentleman Cthulhu and other projects, too—even if I take time off again, as I did some months ago). Plus again, I’ve made and am making some changes in the way I go about things that further support this.

Patience is a virtue they say, and I know I’ve tested the patience of too many fans and colleagues of late. I’m hoping to make up for it in the near future. (And it’s a bit embarrassing to be so upfront and honest about it, but I truly think honesty, with oneself and others, is the best policy.)

So, hopefully I will see a number of you this weekend in Baltimore. I’ll be in Artist Alley Saturday and Sunday all day both days. Otherwise, I hope you are all looking forward to the sketchbook and the second Gentleman Cthulhu collection. They’re coming; I promise.

Just a brief reminder that I’m speaking on a panel with other members of Rosarium Publishing at the AAPCL (Anne Arundel Public County Library) Comic Con this Saturday. The panel is called Diversity in Children’s Comics and will also feature Micheline Hess (Malice in Ovenland) and Bizhan Khodabanden (The Little Black Fish), and it will be moderated by none other than Rosarium Publishing’s fearless leader (and writer of the recent viral–though long-ago-written–letter to DC Comics about diversity), Bill Campbell.

The convention is being held at the Odenton Regional Library in Odenton, MD from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 20th. The Diversity in Childen’s Comics panel is scheduled for 1:00 in the Meeting Room.

Of course, as it is a Rosarium Publishing comics panel, you can almost be guaranteed I’ll be talking about Chadhiyana–well, maybe not almost, I’d say it’s a certainty. What I’m not certain about, however, is if the panel will be recorded or taped. If it is, I’ll be sure to share it on my blog or at least link to it. And if it isn’t, should there be anything new announced or talked about (such as the nature of the yet-secret work I’ve been doing on the book), I’ll share that in a blog piece as well.

That said, other than the panel, I’m sure I’ll be hanging about the convention for at least some time. So if you’re planning to come to the con, or if you’re going to be in the area anyway and this strikes your fancy, make sure you head down to the Meeting Room at 1:00 pm to hear the four of us chat about our Rosarium Publishing comics.

]]>http://chadhiyana.com/2017/05/rosarium-publishing-panel-this-weekend/feed/0Convention Season 2017http://chadhiyana.com/2017/04/convention-season-2017/
http://chadhiyana.com/2017/04/convention-season-2017/#respondTue, 11 Apr 2017 11:26:09 +0000http://chadhiyana.com/?p=981I’m taking a break from writing about Dark Souls and other related games this week (on my blog on jmdesantis.com, that is), to give you all a little update on my convention schedule for this year. Currently, there are a few unconfirmed appearances (and one which I haven’t decided upon just yet), but the months are starting to fill in (admittedly, I’m not the most active con-exhibitor, usually averaging about one a month or month-and-a-half each year). True, I already exhibited at No Such Con in February so this may seem a bit late to be listing what’s coming in 2017, but I don’t usually attend cons in the winter. Now spring is officially here, and I already have an event coming up in May!

First up, next month, I’ll be appearing on a panel at the ACCPLCC (Anne Arundel County Public Library Comic Con) on Saturday, May 20 with some of my fellow creators from Rosarium Publishing. Other than that, I’m not quite certain if Rosarium has a table there (I suspect they might)–if they do, I’m certain I’ll be hanging around there as well.

After that, as far as definitive appearances go are Garden State Comic Fest in July, Boston Comic Con in August and Baltimore Comic-Con in September. I have my application for New York Comic Con (October) and am planning to add Inbeon Con (August) into my schedule (as the folks at Inbeon Studios are good friends and run a good show). I was planning to attend White Plains Comic Con again this year, but it seems there’s a conflict with the ACCPLCC (and my publisher asked me well in advance to attend that event).

Other than that, I keep toying with the idea of attending the Rhode Island Comic Con (November). I’ve heard mixed reviews, but mostly really great things. After all, I think Gentleman Cthulhu would do swimmingly in Rhode Island–especially Providence, where H. P. Lovecraft was born, lived much of his life and died. But we’ll see what’s possible and if anything else comes up before the end of the year.

Well, that’s all for this week, short though it may be (which some of you might find refreshing after my recent, verbose Dark Souls writings). And of course, you can always get an up-to-date list of convention appearances on the Events Page of jmdesantis.com.

Anyway, I need to get back to work. I have a lot of work to do on Chadhiyana (which I’ve been keeping secret for now), and Gentleman Cthulhu to keep up with. I hope to see some of you come out to these conventions, and I’m hoping to add a few more to the list before the end of the year.